The Britannia is a classic British pub in Santa Maria: football, familiar beers and a lively atmosphere. Food is serviceable rather than special, and staff often shape the experience. Best for a pint and a match, not high culinary expectations.
When craving beats nostalgia
There are moments in Santa Maria when your body wants cachupa… and others when it wants fish and chips, a cold Guinness and a match on TV. The Britannia appears right there, like an old British pub dropped in the middle of the Atlantic.
What this place really is
The Britannia @ Bailey’s Bar is a very visible and popular British-style pub, especially among those looking for something familiar: well-known beers, pub food and football on big screens. It has a bar area, indoor seating and a terrace, and it gets lively when matches or events are on.
This is not a gastronomic restaurant, and it doesn’t try to be. It’s a classic pub, with all the good — and questionable — things that come with that.
Finding it is easy
It’s well located and easy to reach on foot from many places in Santa Maria. One of those spots you don’t really have to look for: you see it, recognise it and know exactly what you’ll get inside. A taxi is only needed if you’re coming from far away or after one pint too many.
What you come to eat (and what you don’t)
The menu focuses on pub food: fish and chips, chicken with fries, burgers, ribs and a daily special. Opinions are split. Some leave happy, others find it just okay, and some feel it doesn’t quite match the price.
The chips get both praise and criticism depending on the day, and the battered fish doesn’t always convince. Best to come without high expectations: this is functional food, not memorable cooking.
What really makes the difference
The staff are often the biggest positive point. Many guests highlight their friendliness, attentiveness and willingness to help, especially when it comes to putting on a match or recommending a drink.
That said, there are also some very harsh reviews about specific incidents and unpleasant encounters. It’s not the norm, but it happens. As with any busy pub, your experience can vary a lot depending on timing and who’s behind the bar.
Atmosphere, football and social life
If you enjoy sports, this is one of the more reliable places on the island to watch football. International matches, a lively crowd, quiz nights, bingo and themed events. Noise levels are usually moderate — conversation is possible, unless there’s a goal.
It’s not a quiet place, but it’s not chaotic either. It’s a living pub.
Things worth knowing beforehand
Card payments are accepted, but there’s a foreign card surcharge of around 5%, which is good to know before ordering another round.
Food can take a while when the place is busy. If you’re very hungry, stick to something simple or just have a drink.
It’s a family-friendly, accessible place, especially during the day.
The Britannia is not the place to discover new flavours. It’s for watching the match, chatting, having familiar drinks… and not asking for more than it promises.
Who this pub is for
The Britannia works best when you know why you’re there. If you’re after atmosphere, football, familiar beers and generally friendly staff, you’ll likely leave satisfied. If you expect standout food, it may fall short. Here, the pub spirit comes first — for better or worse.
